When people think of Chico, the University is probably the first thing that comes to mind. Maybe they’re even familiar with Chico’s nickname, “The City of Trees,” or know that it’s home to Sierra Nevada Brewing Company.
But what most people probably don’t always know about Chico is the generous, service-minded nature of our community. People from all walks of life, backgrounds, and beliefs come together in unexpected ways to create a thriving, vibrant network of passionate people.
Chico has a very diverse mix of service and non-profit organizations that host many different events they host to help foster growth and community. Here are just a few examples:
The Rotary Club of Chico Serves The Chico Community
A wonderful group of nearly 300 community members make up The Chico Noon Rotary Club, the Rotary Club of Chico Sunrise, and Chico Rotaract. These three clubs unite business owners, manufacturers, marketers, construction and real estate professionals, city managers, farmers, teachers, painters, radio DJs, doctors, and pretty much every industry in the book with a common purpose. They come together to build community parks, help out at animal shelters, serve as traffic control during community events, and organize events like Sunday Funday Burrito Brunch for a cause. You’ll find them donating clothes and shoes to children at Chico Unified School District, serving Thanksgiving meals at The Salvation Army of Chico, or building a basketball court for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the North Valley.
The Chico Noon Exchange Club’s Chico Brewfest Raises Money For Charities
The Chico Noon Exchange Club has been around since 1946. Similar to the Rotary Club, it’s made up of community members from all walks of life who want to help Chico thrive. This is done by holding fundraisers for organizations in Butte County.
A great example of this is their annual Chico Brewfest. It’s their largest event and raises money for 30+ nonprofits in Butte County. This popular fundraiser has collected over $265,000 since its inception in 2011, and given proceeds to organizations like:
- Boys & Girls Clubs of the North Valley
- Butte County Search & Rescue
- Child Abuse Prevention Council
- Vietnam Vets of America
And so many more!
The Soroptimists Advocate For Women and Girls
Soroptimist International of Chico is the definition of women supporting women. Since 1930, The Soroptimists have given over $2 million worth of education grants to roughly 1,450 women all over the world each year through their Live Your Dream program. And through the Dream It, Be It initiative, they give girls guidance, training, and resources to set them up for successful careers.
The Soroptimists in Chico have granted countless scholarships and awards to girls and women in the community, including organizations like the Girl Scouts of Northern California, Girls on the Run, and Camp Fire Victim Support.
And in May of this year, they’re hosting a charity golf tournament. The proceeds from the event will help fund the work that The Soroptimists do in Chico.
Bottom Line: There Are So Many Wonderful Organizations in Chico
This list barely scratches the surface. In addition to the organizations listed above, there are plenty more all around Chico, including:
- Friends of the Chico Library raises money to support the purchase of library books, movies, educational programs, and library updates and remodeling.
- The Salvation Army of Chico operates a food bank that gives to people in need.
- CAVE (Community Action Volunteers in Education) encourages Chico State students to volunteer in various ways throughout the community and build leadership skills.
- Reading Pals Chico matches volunteers with a child to help them practice reading.
…just to name a few!
Chico has no shortage of organizations that want to give back to the community. And they’re always welcoming new volunteers, so if one in particular interests you, don’t hesitate to reach out! You never know whose life you could change.